A doctor has issued a stark warning to those who frequently indulge in ultra-processed foods, due to the potential health risks, including cancer. A recent large-scale survey published by The BMJ revealed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods was linked to 32 health parameters, including mortality, cancer, and various physical and mental health outcomes.
Dr Alasdair Scott, a gut doctor and science director at Selph, explained of the study’s findings: “When it comes to cancer, the study showed an association between greater consumption of UPFs and overall cancer development. In terms of specific cancers, the development of bowel cancer shows the strongest association with UPF consumption.”
On why there might be a link between these foods and health risks, he added: “Firstly, UPFs lack the nutrient value of whole foods. Less fibre, less protein and fewer vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols (beneficial molecules from plants).
“So when we replace whole foods with ultra-processed we’re taking away a lot of the health benefits we would have derived from the food.”
The doctor warns that these foods typically contain higher levels of added sugars, saturated fats, and salt, making them more “energy-dense” than whole foods.
“This drives more fat storage, insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation. All of these factors are independently associated with increased risk of cancers including bowel and breast,” he added.
“Lastly, the additives in UPFs may have direct negative effects. In particular, non-sugar-sweeteners, emulsifiers and nitrates/nitrites have been shown to modify the gut microbiome which could play a role in the development of bowel cancer.”
Emulsifiers, commonly found in items like pastries and cakes, are particularly notorious for causing gut damage.
While completely cutting out ultra-processed foods might be a tall order, Dr Scott suggests swapping specific food items for healthier alternatives.
The seven types of food that could have the highest risk, according to Dr Scott are ready meals, crisps, low-quality sausages, deli meats, ice cream, bread, and mayonnaise.
He warned that certain foods like these, which often contain emulsifiers and added nitrites/nitrates, could potentially harm your health if consumed in large quantities.
He explained: “They are essentially detergents and are added to foods to prevent separation of their fat and water components. “Unfortunately, they also break down the protective mucus layer that covers the surface of the bowel wall.
This mucus layer serves as a barrier between the gut lining cells and the bacteria, fungi and viruses living in the gut (the microbiome).
“Direct contact between the gut lining and the microbiome may be a driver of inflammation and lead to an environment that promotes bowel cancer development.”